Transcript EARLY START - Disability Rights California

EARLY START
Federal and State Requirements
What Is Early Start



Frequently asked Questions
Which children are served?
What services are provided?
How do I access Early Start services?
Who provides services?
How much does it cost?
How do I find out more?
http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/EarlyStart/ESQuestion
Answers.cfm
Which children are served?

See California Government Code, Section
95014
– Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be
eligible for early intervention services if through
documented evaluation and assessment they meet one of
the criteria listed below:



have a developmental delay in either cognitive,
communication, social or emotional, adaptive, or physical
and motor development including vision and hearing; or
have established risk conditions of known etiology, with a
high probability of resulting in delayed development; or
are at high risk of having a substantial developmental
disability due to a combination of risk factors.
What services are provided?
– Based on the child's assessed
developmental needs and the families
concerns and priorities as determined by
each child's Individualized Family Service
Plan (IFSP) team, early intervention
services may include:
a Government Code, Section 95014
Cont.
– assistive technology
– audiology
– family training, counseling, and home
visits
– health services
– medical services for diagnostic/evaluation
purposes only
– nursing services
– nutrition services
– occupational therapy
– physical therapy
Services cont.
-psychological services
-respite services
-service coordination
(case management)
-social work services
-special instruction
-speech and language services
-transportation and related costs
-vision services
Applying for Services

After contacting the regional center, a
service coordinator will be assigned to
help the child's parents through the
eligibility determination process.
Parent-to-parent support and resource
information is also available through
Early Start Family Resource Centers.
What Does the Evaluation
Include?

An assessment of the child’s motor
skills, communication development,
learning skills, social interaction, and
emotional development. If the child is
eligible for Early Start services, early
intervention professionals will work
with the family to develop a plan that
addresses the child's needs, parent's
concerns and the resources needed to
support the child's development.
Will Parents Have To Pay
For Services?

Early intervention services, including
evaluation, assessment and service
coordination are provided to eligible
infants and toddlers and their families
at no cost to the family. Early Start is
funded by federal funds (IDEA, Part C)
and State General Funds. Other
publicly-funded early intervention
services may also be utilized.
Where To Go For More
Information




IDEA Part C:
http://www.nectac.org/idea/idea.asp
Complaints and Fair Hearings:
http://www.dds.ca.gov/complaints/co
mplt_home.cfm#ES